Rochdale extend unbeaten run with comfortable win over Woking

Rochdale remain top of the Enterprise National League after a 3 to 0 home victory against Woking on Saturday, extending their unbeaten start to 2026.

Jimmy McNulty’s side took control before half time at the Crown Oil Arena, with Kyron Gordon and Mani Dieseruvwe both finding the net. Dieseruvwe added his second from the penalty spot in the second half to secure an eighth win in ten matches.

There was one change from the midweek fixture against Scunthorpe United, as Jake Burger came in for Aidan Barlow, who picked up a knock. Tyler Smith returned from injury to take a place on the bench.

Rochdale began brightly and had the ball in the net inside four minutes when Dieseruvwe turned in Callum Perry’s cross, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

Dieseruvwe then sent an effort narrowly wide from the edge of the area, while Devante Rodney tested goalkeeper Will Jaaskelainen with a low strike.

Midway through the first half, Gordon was shown a yellow card for simulation after going down in the box under a challenge, with referee Steven Copeland unmoved by appeals for a penalty.

The breakthrough arrived three minutes later. Joe Pritchard delivered a corner to the back post where Gordon rose to head home on 27 minutes.

Rochdale doubled their lead nine minutes later following a move built from the back. Ryan East fed Dieseruvwe, who controlled well before placing his finish into the bottom corner.

Woking created an early second half opportunity when Aiden O’Brien ran onto a long ball, but his effort drifted wide under pressure from Oli Whatmuff.

Gordon produced an important block to deny Joe Gbode before Rochdale were awarded a penalty in the 73rd minute when Dan Moss was tripped as he attempted to shoot.

Dieseruvwe converted confidently from the spot to make it 3 to 0.

There were further chances late on, with Perry and substitute Casey Pettit going close from free kicks, and Bryce Hosannah seeing a shot cleared off the line. In added time Moss was denied by Jaaskelainen, while Louis Flower lifted an effort onto the roof of the net at the other end.

Rochdale XI Whatmuff, Gordon, East replaced by Francis 79, Ebanks Landell captain, Gilmour replaced by Pettit 68, Dieseruvwe replaced by Henderson 79, Rodney replaced by McBride 68, Pritchard replaced by Hosannah 68, Burger, Moss, Perry.

Unused substitutes Allarakhia, Smith.

Scorers Gordon 27, Dieseruvwe 36 and 74.

Woking XI Jaaskelainen, Drewe, Richards, Okoli captain, Odusina, Andrews, O’Brien replaced by Sanderson 72, Syla replaced by Turner 83, Tunji Akinola, Timmy Akinola replaced by Beautyman 83, Gbode replaced by Flower 72.

Attendance 2,826 including 104 away supporters.